The University of Washington has made a major move to bolster its defense by hiring Ryan Walters as its new defensive coordinator. Walters, who was praised by UW head coach Jedd Fisch as “probably the best defensive coordinator in the country,” brings a track record of success that has made him one of the most highly regarded coaches in college football.
In 2022, Walters guided the Illinois defense to an exceptional season, leading the nation in multiple categories, including scoring defense (12.8 points per game), interceptions (24), and opponent pass efficiency rating. Under his leadership, Illinois transformed from a struggling program into a Big Ten powerhouse, with Walters’ defensive schemes playing a key role in their rise.
Walters’ success continued during his time at Missouri before he moved to Purdue as head coach, but his tenure there was short-lived after a challenging period with the Boilermakers. Despite the struggles at Purdue, Walters’ past success remains undeniable, and he’s eager to bring his expertise to Washington.
During his introductory remarks, Walters confidently agreed with Fisch’s assertion, saying, “I agree. That’s what I’ve done.” He pointed to his past achievements at Illinois and Missouri, noting that he’s “never been more motivated and more hungry to get back to that.”
Now, Walters takes over a Washington defense that has both strengths and weaknesses. The Huskies finished strong in pass defense in 2024, ranking among the nation’s best in several key metrics. However, there are areas in need of improvement, particularly in rushing defense, turnovers, and critical moments like red-zone defense and third downs.
Walters is determined to address these issues, emphasizing effort, physicality, and multiple defensive schemes as keys to success. His approach will focus on creating advantageous situations for his defense through attacking early downs and capitalizing on key moments.
While the Huskies face challenges with several key players departing, Walters remains confident in the potential of the current roster. He’s not concerned with age or experience but instead prioritizes what players put on tape, saying, “If you’re in the top 11, you can go play.”
Though there’s no immediate guarantee of transformation, Walters’ impressive track record and his philosophy offer hope for a major defensive turnaround in the coming seasons. Fans can expect a much more aggressive and opportunistic defense when the Huskies take the field under Walters’ leadership, with a potential for significant improvement in 2024.
